Member Profile: Wendy Doyle + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Wendy Doyle
Nelle member Wendy Doyle is a supporter and leader of women. She is also a delight to chat with. She often drops nuggets of wisdom into the conversation without a second thought. A nonprofit veteran, Wendy has been the president and CEO of United WE for the past seven years (formerly called the Women’s Foundation).
After growing up in Warrensburg, Missouri, Wendy attended Rockhurst University and continues to call Kansas City home today. We are so proud to have her as a Nellie! Get to know Wendy below…
How did you start out in your career?
Well, I always thought my career path would be in communications. I’m an English literature major so after university, I went to work for a public relations firm. At the time, I really thought it was my dream. I suppose we always have that in our minds, ‘This is exactly how it’s going to play out.’ And I loved the work, but I was challenged by the billable hours and always pressing in that direction. I really wanted to get out from under that.
I had a mentor who left the firm to go work for a nonprofit, the National Kidney Foundation. We had a really great relationship and she recruited me. She explained it was the same work, but that it might align more with my moral compass. And she was right. The nonprofit sector was really the perfect alignment for me personally and morally.
How did you land at United WE?
I really fell into this position. I was working for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, which I was really passionate about. A recruiting firm reached about the Women’s Foundation position. By the third time they reached out, I said, ‘You know, I’m really not interested, but let me put my list together of great women that I think would be perfect for this.’ So I went and met with them in person and as they were explaining the position, I became more interested in it.
Around then, I had a personal trip to Washington, D.C. While there, I met with the Washington Area Women's Foundation. I came home renewed and refreshed, so excited about the possibilities. I threw my name in the ring and here we go.
What’s the history of the Women’s Foundation and United WE?
The Women’s Foundation is 29 years old; it’s a great legacy. It was established by profound women who had a vision. You think about philanthropy 29 years ago, it was driven by the men in the household. The Women’s Foundation encouraged women to be philanthropists in their own right. It was a sense of financial empowerment. They pooled their money together and granted funds back into the community, to nonprofits supporting women and girls.
By the time I came in, we had outgrown the relevancy of that business model. Women have become more sophisticated with their philanthropy. So we’ve transitioned into United WE, which stands for United Women’s Empowerment. We focus on research studies to help reduce barriers in the workplace for women. We are building this great network of women, like what The Nelle is doing.
We’re working to impact legislation on pay equity, paid family leave, and professionally licensing for women. It’s about getting bills passed, sending it to the governor’s desk, and signing it into law.
What are you currently working on?
We’ve created a program called the Appointments Project. It’s working to get women on boards and commissions, appointed by elected leaders at the city, county, and state level. It’s really important to get women at the policy-making table.
If we do our job right, it will make more women want to go on to run for elected office. We need more women in the capitals advocating for issues that impact women and their families.
Over the next five years, we are looking to scale the Appointments Project across the country. We have it here in Kansas and Missouri. We’ve recently launched in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We’ll be launching soon in Oklahoma City. In each city, we are working directly with the mayor, finding community partners in the local area, and doing virtual trainings.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Oh, gosh. I’m going to pick one that happened recently. We had Governor Parson join us in July for a bill signing, which became law. It was House Bill 2046 out of Missouri and it means anybody who wants to come to Missouri to practice their career -- an attorney or a teacher or a dentist or a doctor -- can immediately start working here. We are only the second state in the country that has this law. It’s something that I worked really, really hard on. It’s been recognized nationally as the occupational licensing reform that every state should adopt.
How can people support United WE?
It’s contributions. We’re not a membership-driven organization, but we need financial support. And there are always ways to get involved by volunteering.
What is one obstacle you encountered early on, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle I encountered is using my voice. If I could go back to my 25-year-old self, I would definitely say, ‘Speak up.’ I would try to instill more confidence in myself. I see women that are so skilled, with this great experience, and have no confidence in themselves; they hold back. And I was one of those people.
I see this, too, with young women coming out of university. I recently polled them, asking who they would seek support from for pay negotiation and benefits for their first job. And 95-percent of the young women said they would call their dad. This really speaks to women needing to get better at negotiating and using their voice.
You mentioned that you had a mentor early in your career. Do you mentor others now?
Absolutely. When somebody reaches out or I see potential in someone, I always offer to take them under my wing and mentor them. That was life-changing for me, and I feel it’s very important to pay it forward.
Who is a woman who inspires you?
Madeleine Albright, first woman Secretary of State, for sure. The Women’s Foundation hosted her twice for our annual luncheon, so I had the opportunity to spend a little time with her.
What I love most about her is that she started her career path in policy work later in life and then moved into being the Secretary of State for the United States of America. It’s a great story. The lesson for women is that it’s never too late. You can always aspire to be who you want to be.
What makes Kansas City home for you?
Kansas City is so welcoming. Everyone is very open to helping and extremely charitable. It just feels really comfortable. Also, we like the four seasons here in the Midwest. That’s what makes Kansas City home.
What elements of The Nelle are you most excited about?
Oh, I’m most excited about the space and the coming together. It’s going to be a great gift to Kansas City and to Kansas City women. I’m really looking forward to having great conversations with great women. And I know the space will be beautiful, knowing Lauren.
thank you, wendy
We are so proud to call you a member of The Nelle!
